1180 Best Sights in Canada

Thick stone walls stretch along 5 km (3 miles), connected by four gates—St-Jean, St-Louis, Kent, and the more modern Prescott—and adjoined by forts, bastions, and even a citadel. With such a special and unique landmark, it's not difficult to understand why the Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site. These nearly intact ramparts, virtually the only ones of their kind in North America, recall the complex history of the French and British regimes in Québec City. French colonists began building ramparts along the city's cliffs as early as 1690 to protect themselves from the British, but they had trouble convincing the French government to take the threat of invasion seriously. And when the British did invade in 1759, the walls were unsurprisingly still incomplete. The British, despite attacks by the Americans during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, took over a century to finish them—and they never saw armed conflict.

From June to September, Parks Canada offers two distinct guided tours of Québec City's fortifications, each led by a knowledgeable history guide. The first is a two-hour tour, departing from the Frontenac Kiosk on Dufferin Terrace. This experience leads participants along the fortification walls and into a soldier's casemate—an area exclusively accessible on this tour—while sharing fascinating historical tidbits about the city. The second tour is entirely within Artillery Park, one of the oldest military compounds in the Americas, dating back to 1712. This experience focuses on the social and architectural heritage of the ramparts building, which has housed French, British, and Canadian soldiers throughout history.

This eclectic collection of local artisans, vendors, and food stands sits in a converted early-1900s locomotive repair shop. Stop here to sample potato fudge, local spirits, sushi burritos, and vegan comfort food. This is a fun place to pick up made-in-PEI souvenirs, too.

The Officers' Quarters in the Historic Garrison District house a museum that presents a living picture of the community from the time when only First Nations peoples inhabited the area through the Acadian and Loyalist days to the immediate past. Its World War I trench puts you in the thick of battle, and the shellacked remains of the giant Coleman Frog, a Fredericton legend, still inspire controversy. There is also an artists' co-op store featuring locally produced art and crafts. If you're visiting outside the summer months, wear warm clothing—the historic site has no heating or insulation. 

This provincial park, on the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca 21 km (13 miles) west of Sooke, comprises a sand-and-pebble beach, a campground, and seaside trails. The shoreline is an excellent spot for whale-watching, as migrating grays and resident killer whales often feed in the area. Amenities: toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.

This group's excellent summer offerings include a junior naturalist program, birding tours, hiking tours, and historical walks. At the information center shop, you can borrow a Friends hiking kit with binoculars, maps, and first-aid and other materials.

Ontario's first certified-organic winery is a small, family-owned affair with exclusively organic wines. The setting is truly farmlike: sheep and guinea hens mill about outside while you taste. With only eight varieties—all VQA and including a nice ice wine—you can become an expert in this label in one sitting. The wines are available on-site, online, and at selected restaurants in Ontario; many of the labels are available at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

This moderate 6.9-km (4.3-mile) heavily trafficked loop provides some great views. Once you're on the loop, go clockwise to enjoy a gradual incline and a slightly steeper descent. Stop frequently on the descent---elevation gain is 239 meters (784 feet)---to notice some of the amazing views. The trail does pass through some alpine farming pastures and cattle may be seen, but the wildflowers can be stunning if you're there at the right time. Moderate

Not far from the Minas Basin, where some of the oldest dinosaur fossils in Canada have been found, this museum showcases 200-million-year-old specimens alongside other mineral, plant, and animal relics. The opportunity to peer into a working fossil lab and to see bright interactive exhibits (like the Bay of Fundy Time Machine) give this museum real kid appeal. 

The scenic Fundy Trail Provincial Park extends for 30 km (18.6 miles) along the cliff tops through previously inaccessible wilderness with stunning views, and you can stop along the way at several lookouts. These include the Walton Glen Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of New Brunswick"---1,000 feet across, 525 feet deep, and 550 million years old. Once a difficult eight-hour round-trip hike, it is now an easy 2-km (1-mile) round-trip walk to an observation deck with spectacular views across the towering rock face cliffs. Also along the Parkway, make a stop at the Interpretive Centre at Big Salmon River. Various Stonehammer Geopark activities are offered here, including walks with an interpreter. The road closely parallels the cycling/walking Fundy Trail along the shore. There are lots of places to park and many accessible scenic lookouts. The 49-km (30-mile) Fundy Footpath, for expert hikers, continues through to the national park. The parkway portion operates mid-May through mid-October. In 2020, a new road linked the parkway to Sussex, and in 2021, a new Connector Road to Alma opened, both improving access to this highly scenic area.

Located in the waterfront park at the end of the Lachine Canal, on the shores of Lac St-Louis, this early 19th-century stone warehouse has been converted into a museum that commemorates the industry that dominated Canada's early history.

Being home to direct descendants of the Gaelic pioneers, St. Ann's Bay is a logical site for this college, established in 1938 with a mission to promote and preserve the settlers' heritage. And mission accomplished, because today the campus provides a crash course in Gaelic culture. For instance, after learning about Scottish history in the Great Hall of Clans (particularly the Highland Clearances that sparked a mass exodus of Scots to the New World during the 18th century), you can view a short Gaelic-language film, then discover traditional disciplines like weaving and dancing at interactive stations. Not surprisingly, music at the college is especially noteworthy. Weeklong summer-school courses—as well as occasional weekend workshops—focus on topics such as bagpiping and fiddling. The college hosts lunchtime and Wednesday-evening ceilidhs in summer, and in fall it’s a key site for the Celtic Colours Festival.

Galaxyland has more than 27 exhilarating rides and play areas for all ages, including four distinctive roller coasters, the Swing of the Century, and The Flying Galleon, the largest of its kind in North America. For the younger folk, there is a Galaxy Kids Playpark, a carousel, and many other mellower entertainments.

Blanc is an open-air art gallery whose mission is to bring the general public closer to art. Open 24/7, rain, snow, or shine, exhibitions showcase the work of different artists and change regularly. The gallery is open to anyone and there is no admission fee. It's located on rue Ste-Catherine E. between rue Wolfe and rue Atateken.

In a distinctive historic house, the oldest private gallery in New Brunswick has original works by more than 100 Atlantic Canadian artists, including painters, printmakers, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, and photographers.

Operating since 1967 in a historic pump house, Gallery Stratford exhibits high-profile Canadian visual artists all year and, in summer, local up-and-coming artists.

Once the site of the city's first civic buildings—the constable's cabin and customs house, and a two-cell log jail—this atmospheric brick-paved courtyard is now home to cafés and offices.

The floral emblems of Canada's 10 provinces and three territories commemorate Confederation in this park.

Need a break from those Cavendish crowds? Gardens of Hope, part of the PEI Preserve Company property, is located about 8 km (5 miles) south of town in the Island's most beautiful river valley. The garden covers more than 12 acres and includes a butterfly house. With 2 km (1 mile) of walking trails that thread past fountains and groomed flower beds, then through natural woodland, it provides ample opportunity for quiet contemplation.

Dedicated to the art of clay and ceramics, this museum has more than 4,000 pieces in its permanent collection, from 17th-century English delftware and 18th-century European porcelain to Japanese Kakiemon-style pottery and Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. If your visit coincides with lunchtime, hit on-site bistro Clay for creative, locally oriented cuisine (and one of the best hidden patios in town). Admission is pay what you can, but there is a suggested donation amount.  Admission is free on Wednesday after 4; kids under 18, students, and Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) are always free.

This small winery, home to valley-view vineyards and a meditative labyrinth, produces estate-grown Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, a Chardonnay-Gewürztraminer blend, and an intriguing red made from Zweigelt grapes. It's open for tastings daily May through October from 11 am to 5 pm.

An underground steam system, which also heats many local buildings, supplies the world's first steam clock—possibly Vancouver's most photographed attraction. On the quarter hour, a steam whistle rings out the Westminster chimes, and on the hour a huge cloud of steam spews from the apparatus. The ingenious design, based on an 1875 mechanism, was built in 1977 by Ray Saunders of Landmark Clocks to commemorate the community effort that saved Gastown from demolition. Fun fact: yes, the clock does use steam power, but three electric motors help it run, too.

This massive park—nearly 364 square km (140 square miles)—brings nature lovers from all over throughout the year. You can hike up King Mountain on a challenging trail that takes you 300 meters (980 feet) above the Ottawa Valley, explore Lusk Cave, go camping, view the Luskville Falls, or swim at one of the six beaches here (there are also 50 lakes). In winter, the cross-country skiing trails cover approximately 200 km (125 miles) of the park. From June to mid-October, you can use the park's south entrance on Taché Boulevard; stop at the reception center for visitor information.

As a major wintering area for more than 260 species of birds, this bird sanctuary is busy year round with avian activity. Shorebirds start arriving mid-August, followed by northern waterfowl; bird sightings peak in November. Nesting takes place April through June; kids love seeing the goslings and ducklings. Birdseed is 50 cents. Located on Westham Island in Ladner across the Fraser River estuary from Steveston, it takes a bit of a loop route to get there. But rain or shine, there are always birds to see.

A series of 63 islands in Lake Huron's Georgian Bay, the park can be visited only via boat. Organized boat tours with the park or private companies operate from the weekend closest to May 24 through mid-October, weather permitting. To explore one of the islands on foot, book a trip on the park's DayTripper boat, bring your own boat, or take a water taxi in Honey Harbour.

The park's own boat, the DayTripper (C$15.70 June–early Oct.), makes the 15-minute trip to Beausoleil Island, which has hiking trails and beaches, from Honey Harbour, 15 km (9 miles) north of Port Severn at Highway 400 Exit 156.

Two companies do cruises through the Georgian Bay but don't allow you to disembark on any of the islands. The 300-passenger Miss Midland, operated by Midland Tours (C$36), leaves from the Midland town dock and offers 2½-hour sightseeing cruises daily at 2 mid-May to mid-October. The company can arrange departures from Toronto, which includes time to explore the town of Midland. From the Penetanguishene town dock, Penetanguishene 30,000 Island Cruises takes passengers on Penetanguishene Harbour and the Georgian Bay islands tours, including 1½- and 2½-hour cruises of Penetanguishene Harbour and 3½-hour cruises of the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay, on the 200-passenger MS Georgian Queen. Lunch (C$55) and dinner (C$63) cruises are available with reservations. Captain Steve Anderson, the owner and your tour guide, has operated these tours—a family business—since 1985. Cruises depart one to three times daily in July and August; less frequently (but usually Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday) in May, June, September, and October.

The Gerrard India Bazaar isn't a place, exactly. It's a strip of Gerrard Street that's home to a row of shops and restaurants with a South Asian flair. One of the city's top cultural landmarks, it's the place to find colorful saris, ceramic incense burners, Indian sweets, and fresh grilled corn and cane juice from streetside vendors. It's also home of the Festival of South Asia every summer.

You'll need to pre-arrange transportation for this 19.3-km (12-mile) hike, but it gives you the unique opportunity to hike or mountain bike from Kananaskis to the Banff townsite. The trail, which begins at the north end of Spray Valley Provincial Park and follows Goat Creek for the first 9 km (5.6 miles) to its confluence with the Spray River, is relatively easy with just 150 meters (500 feet) of elevation gain. From there it follows the Spray River all the way to the grounds of the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Moderate.

Reached only by foot trail, private boat, or tour boat from Waterton Townsite, this spot on the U.S. end of Waterton Lake is the stomping ground for mountain goats, moose, grizzlies, and black bears. It's also the official border crossing for the U.S. side of Waterton Lake. In recent years, the crossing has not been staffed by U.S. Customs personnel, and, consequently, anyone who wishes to cross the border here must check in before arrival using the official CBP ROAM app (formerly OARS) from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This app allows eligible travelers who arrive at remote locations to report their arrival online. Visitors to this area must carry their passports and proof of ROAM trip approval. You can hike or paddle to Goat Haunt or take the tour boat with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. The tour boat makes a limited number of stops near this border crossing, so you can catch the boat in the morning, cross the border, hike the trails, and then cross back into Canada and catch the tour boat to the Waterton marina in the late afternoon. The hikes on the U.S. side of the lake were unaffected by the wildfires of recent years.

When this massive wooden-hull gold dredge was in operation (1913–59), it ate rivers whole, spitting out gravel and keeping the gold for itself—on one highly productive day it sucked up 800 ounces. These days the dredge—a Canadian National Historic Site—occupies a spot along Bonanza Creek about 10 miles southeast of Dawson. The dredge is still worth a look, even on your own, if only to ponder the geology and economics that made it viable to haul this enormous piece of equipment into the middle of nowhere at a time when gold only brought $20 an ounce. You can pan for gold yourself in Bonanza Creek, where the Klondike Visitors Association offers a free claim for visitors. Bring your own supplies (almost every gift shop in town sells pans). You can also view the full inner workings of the dredge on one of the Dawson City tours offered by the visitors center.